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My 5 months in Brussels as an Erasmus student came to an end. Of course, it’s great to be back home but I really liked living there… and that’s why I already miss it and I wish the student exchange lasted a bit longer. I figured that maybe writing a post about Brussels and the things I liked there will help me cope with this little sorrow and end this chapter of my life. And who knows? Maybe you will learn something new and interesting about this place? 🙂

First of all, I must mention Belgian chocolate! IT IS THE BEST IN THE WORLD! Just look at this window display:Moreover, Belgian chocolate has therapeutic effect and can solve your problems 😉
Thus, the only problem left is which kind of chocolate you should buy. In this case, free tasting turns out to be very helpful.
But if you have a sweet tooth (and I do!), this is just a beginning. You can’t visit Belgium and not taste Belgian waffles (preferably with ice cream and chocolate)a huge meringue,and a fruit tart.
After eating all these sweets, you’ll probably be thirsty. Well, it’s time for a famous Belgian beer then. There are over 200 kinds of beer in Belgium and they are all known for their great quality! The best and the most popular place to taste them is Delirium pub.
And what is the best way to burn all the calories from chocolate, waffles and beers? Walks! There is plenty of places you must see in Brussels:
the city centre with Grand Place, Royal Palace and many atmospheric squares,(also at night)
the big and beautiful parks such as Parc de Leopold, Parc du Cinquantenaire or Bois de la Cambre,and the European Parliament, of course!
You prefer cycling to walking? No problem! Renting a bicycle (Villo) is very cheap and there are cycle paths all over the city.
Finally, once you’re in Brussels, it is very easy to travel to other Belgian cities. There are many rail connections and the trains are fast and punctual.
It takes only 20 minutes to go to charming Leuven,1 hour and 15 minutes to be in timeless Bruges,
and two hours to walk along the beach in Ostend.

Obviously, I chose only some of the advantages of living in Brussels… and my choice is very subjective.

Also, I’m not saying there is nothing annoying in this city – of course there is! Just try to get used to this:

But when I was sitting in my favourite Parc du Cinquantenaire, eating chocolat au lait and listening to the passers-by talking in French with the charming accent belge, I felt like it was the best place in the world. I will miss these moments very much!

Finally! Spring! And the best way to feel and to celebrate it is to go to the nearest park, lay on the grass and:
a) read a good book
b) listen to your favorite music
c) drink a beer and talk to your friends.
Choose what you like most but don’t stay home on a sunny spring afternoon!